Ralph Lauren quietly shuttered its two-year-old 20,000-square-foot store last week. Other brands are expected to close boutiques in a city that has lost its luster for cash-rich mainland Chinese tourists.

Mellon ticked off the list — previewing the latest collection, celebrating the new Madison Avenue store slated to open in June and the company’s donation to PARSA (Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Support for Afghanistan), the charity dedicated to rehabilitating women in Afghanistan that recently opened a beauty school in Kabul.

“The first step to rebuilding a country is to rebuild its people’s self-worth,” said Mellon solemnly.

She then instantly improved her guests’ own self-worth with the final reason. The gift bag, waiting at each seat, held an exclusive handbag from the company’s new line. “They won’t be in stores until August,” she said, as the room vibrated with the ladies’ gasps.

Caroline Berthet, who hosted the luncheon with Mellon, was responsible for the select seating and tried to match the three bag styles to the women’s personalities, although some last-minute cancellations threw her handiwork off. “There are three sizes,” she said, “small, medium and big, which we tried to give to all the moms.”

WWD's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide is brought to you by @styleontherise and is complete with the perfect presents for everyone on your list. Click the link in our bio to start shopping NOW. #WWDHoliday #Sponsored

@rebeccaminkoff is bringing self-checkout to high fashion: The brand has partnered with @queuehop to bring its customers self-checkout options, beginning this holiday season at its SoHo store. (📷: @aurorarosephoto)

It was a big night for Demna Gvasalia at the Fashion Awards 2016 in London: The designer took home the award for international ready-to-wear designer for his work at @balenciaga, while his brand @vetements_official scooped international urban luxury brand. (📷: @giovanni_giannoni_photo)